The UK charging industry has criticised reports that ministers may reduce the share of new cars required to be electric by 2030 from 80% to 60%, arguing that the existing infrastructure is expanding and that policy uncertainty could raise costs for drivers and investors.
The proposal is being considered amid pressure from car manufacturers concerned about costs, jobs and consumer demand. The rule, known as the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, requires manufacturers to sell a growing proportion of electric cars. The government says no final decision has been taken. It also says it remains committed to ending sales of new cars powered solely by petrol or diesel in 2030, with all new car and van sales required to be zero-emission by 2035. A decision is expected after further ministerial discussions this week.
The debate follows the publication of Reverse the Charge, an impact assessment by EV newsletter The Fast Charge with Zest. It found that fixed grid charges paid to keep a single rapid charger live have increased by 616% since 2021, from £61.47 a week to £440.13. The report warns that rapid charging could exceed £1 per kWh next year, with drivers who lack off-street parking likely to be hit hardest. It calls on Ofgem to address the capacity-based billing behind the increase.
Robin Heap, chief executive of Zest, said investment depends on confidence, and confidence depends on certainty. He warned that speculation about weakening the mandate sends the wrong signal to businesses committing millions to the UK's electric future. In his view, the transition needs long-term thinking rather than short-term concessions. He added that Ofgem's fixed grid charges are already causing charging projects to be scaled back or shelved, and that further uncertainty over EV targets risks delaying investment, slowing progress and leaving drivers worse off. Heap said these pressures make the UK less attractive for investment than other markets.
Ginny Buckley, chief executive of electric-car buying and advice site Electrifying.com, said drivers and businesses need a clear direction, while ministers appear unable to agree on one. She argued that growing EV uptake and a wider choice of affordable models make this a time to build confidence rather than weaken it, and that the government should not let private companies dictate environmental policy.
Buckley also said the ZEV mandate already contains substantial flexibilities. Analysis suggests the car market collectively is ahead of its estimated requirement once CO2 flexibilities are included, she added. She said vans need separate consideration because electric cars and vans are moving at very different speeds. Some manufacturers are relying on surplus electric-car credits to avoid fines on van sales, she said, and ministers should assess whether existing purchase grants and charging support address businesses' practical barriers and set a more realistic trajectory for vans.
Yann Marston, chief revenue officer at char.gy, said the charging network is growing ahead of government targets and is ready to support more drivers switching to electric. He said keeping ambitious EV targets would help ensure drivers have access to more affordable electric cars, particularly those without driveways, who often face the biggest barriers. Marston said drivers need more choice and greater confidence, and that a consistent policy framework would help deliver both.
The dispute also highlights the position of drivers who cannot charge at home and depend on public charging. Almost one in three new cars sold in October was fully electric, according to public data from New AutoMotive. EV advocates argue that existing rules already give carmakers considerable room to meet their obligations, while manufacturers warn that demand is not keeping pace with the targets.
Investors have warned that repeated changes to the rules could make Britain a less attractive place to fund new charging infrastructure. The government's final position will be watched by charging companies, carmakers and drivers who rely on public charging, with the cost of rapid charging and the availability of affordable models central to the debate.